2026 Conference Speakers
Learn more about our 2026 NLOWE Conference speakers.
Keynote Luncheon Speaker
Marci Ien
Award-Winning Journalist Former Minister for Women & Gender Equality & Youth
Marci Ien is a leader shaped by resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to service. Her career spans national media and public office, united by a belief in the power of voice, representation, and leading with integrity.
After a distinguished career in journalism, Marci stepped into public service as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre and later as Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. In this role, she helped advance national initiatives focused on equity, safety, and opportunity — demonstrating leadership grounded in action, empathy, and accountability.
Today, Marci continues to lead and inspire through storytelling, advocacy, and public engagement, challenging leaders to show up with authenticity, purpose, and impact.
Conference Kick-Off | Opening Experience with Eastern Owl
We are honoured to open the 2026 NLOWE Conference with an opening experience led by Eastern Owl.
Known for work rooted in reflection, connection, and Indigenous ways of knowing, this opening will invite attendees to arrive fully, grounded in place, present in the moment, and open to what lies ahead.
This experience is designed to create space for reflection and connection before we step into two days of learning, conversation, and growth.
Workshop Presenters
Jess Chapman - Leadership
The Neuroscience of Bouncing Back Stronger – every time.
A neuroscience-based leadership session focused on building practical resilience in the face of entrepreneurial setbacks. Participants will explore how the brain responds to stress, use the 7 S Model of Resilience to assess their strengths, and develop a personal, brain-friendly strategy to recover faster and lead more effectively under pressure.
Melissa O’Keefe - Health & Wellness
Building Sustainable Energy, Health & Capacity as a Woman Entrepreneur
An interactive 75-minute workshop designed to help women entrepreneurs build sustainable resilience and prevent burnout. Participants will explore how stress and daily habits impact performance and use the Resilient Capacity Wheel to identify energy drains and implement practical, long-term strategies for maintaining focus, wellbeing, and leadership capacity
Ogaga Johnson - Growth & Strategic Vision
Seeing What’s Next: Vision Boarding for Your Business, Career & Life Vision
A structured and reflective vision board experience designed to help women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs gain clarity on their next chapter. Through guided prompts, hands-on creation, and action planning, participants will leave with a tangible vision board and a clear 30-day action commitment to move from intention to execution.
Morgan Payne - Financial Literacy & Business Financial Management
QuickBooks Fundamentals for Small Business Owners: From Confusion to Confident and Compliant
A hands-on, action-oriented workshop focused on building confidence in QuickBooks Online. Participants will gain practical insight into financial systems, learn how to interpret key reports, avoid common bookkeeping mistakes, and leave with a QuickBooks Confidence Checklist to support financial clarity and independence.